That year, the race was renamed The Squire Shops Unlimited Hydroplane Regatta. In 1978, the Squire Shop became the principal sponsor of the Seafair hydro race, which had been in jeopardy for several years because of a lack of funds. In its heyday in the late 1970s, the Squire Shop was among the most profitable retail businesses in Seattle, said Wade, who bought into the business in 1986 and became sole owner a few years ago. Others close to the situation said Squire Shop had been looking for buyers for some time, without success.

But, he conceded, 'If nobody writes a check, we will liquidate all stores.' The liquidation sale gives Squire Shops 'some time yet to find somebody,' Wade said. The chain had filed for bankruptcy reorganization in mid-January, but decided to liquidate instead, possibly to salvage some of the chain.Ĭompany owner George Wade said he hoped to save the Natural Selection division, which carries clothing for young men and women.īut he said financing for a Seattle-area chain in today's economic climate was 'as scarce as hen's teeth.' He is talking with various parties interested in buying the Natural Selection division and other potential buyers for Squire Shop locations. Late yesterday, the 34-store chain - which includes 12 Natural Selection stores - received permission from bankruptcy court to liquidate its assets. The Squire Shop, a Seattle retail institution known as much for its hydroplane as its casual menswear, begins a going-out-of-business sale today.

The gruffalo shop